Illini Zip

I predict Perkins will get only spot minutes, but will likely play. I have yet to see Groce redshirt a point guard.

Groce knows what it’s like to be without a quality point guard, unfortunately, and to run this system wide open he needs at least two. I think the NIL/portal reality spooks our staff as well, which is why they started to stack them up. Next year we will have three legitimate point guards on the roster, in addition to Scott. That is a feat all by itself. Most point guards are prima donnas and want to play right away. But if you find “Akron guys” who buy into the vision and care about the right things the sky is the limit. Young knows that he is in line to be the man come his Junior year if he continues to improve. Hopefully that will be enough. Being on a winning team doesn’t hurt either.

That would be good too.

I think Lyles continues to grow as an offensive threat. And Harris has great potential, but he missed a whole season. He’s a bit of a wild card. That said, this is my preferred starting lineup for next year. Tavari Nate Harris Amani Jimmy

We have not heard anything about Brisco yet, but Groce likes Mahaffey. He’s a tall, long guard who will be playing some next year.

I’ll tell you what that means to me. A much better non-conference result next year. Maybe a tougher non-conference schedule.

If we have any scholarships available I would seek to pick up a big bodied guard to replace the role of Gray and Wilson.

💯💯💯

The players need to file into Groce’s office and lay their jersey’s on his desk. “This is for Evan coach, this is for Evan”

That’s huge!!

I saw that too.

Say it @zippy5

@clarkwgriswold That pass from Amani to Wilson for three was for you.

Careless passing tonight.

It appears Young is playing limited minutes. I am good with that. Edit: Maybe not.

So you’re saying there is a chance.

Does that vote mean Mr. Jablonski thinks we are the best team in the country or that we belong in the top 25? Either way he’s smoking some bad weed, but I appreciate the attention given to Akron.

They should give him a second try. This time he wins the tax money he will need for his new car.

If Okonkwo returns I can see him playing a lot with Amani. Perhaps they both start, Amani at the 4 and Okonkwo at the 5 with Marvin and Brisco backing up. Amani just needs to keep improving his production from deep.

Something to keep in mind with Amani is that ideally this should be his Sophomore year. Either he chose not to redshirt or we needed him early on because we lacked depth at the position. I believe it was the latter due to the loss of Aziz Bandaogo and Ali Ali (for a season). It’s unfortunate.

Did I mention, I hate Toledo!!

I agree, with the exception of our defense. While not great, our defense has improved since January. Groce mentioned some bone-headed plays against Kent made by Johnson & Johnson in particular that need to get cleaned up. Also, our offense still needs work because teams are defending us differently. That said, if we are fortunate enough to make it to the NCAAT we would likely be able to run wide open like we did in January. So yes, all gas and no breaks to end the year, but I would rest Young if his knee is bothering him.

Toledo lost a trap game. Actually, the last 3 games must have been trap games.

I was watching on TV, but I thought I heard; “Cut your hair, freak!!” Maybe it was just me?

Thank you!!